“No Filipino should ever be called a squatter in his own country. No matter how they may be referred to as informal settlers, the fact remains that they are ‘homeless’ in a way. A world-class country cannot consist of homeless citizens.”
This according to Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo, chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development.
Castelo recently graced the turnover ceremony at the Quezon City Hall where Councilor Precious Hipolito-Castelo awarded another batch of lot titles to city residents.
In a move to bridge the gap in the housing sector nationwide, the House Committees on Government Reorganization, Housing and Urban Development, and Appropriations, submitted in December of last year the committee report, for approval by the plenary, on House Bill 6775 or “An Act Creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
“The best gift of the government to the average Filipino family is to provide them with their very own shelter. This, then, stresses the need for a law creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development,” said Castelo.
“Some people, particularly the rich, have what they call a dreamhouse. Most people, especially the poor, can only dream of a house. These are the people whom the government should help, through a one-stop-shop, find a place they can call their home,” Castelo added.
“It is appalling that some 57 million out of the 100 million Filipinos are deprived of decent housing despite the fast-growing economy in recent years,” Castelo lamented.
It is appalling that some 57 million out of the 100 million Filipinos are deprived of decent housing despite the fast-growing economy in recent years.
“We have to bring back the dignity that Filipino households deserve. This process begins with a family living in a home they can call their own,” Castelo concluded.